Nitroaniline-based alkylating agents and their use as prodrugs

ABSTRACT

Nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustards of the general formula (I) are provided, together with methods of preparation and methods for their use as prodrugs for gene-dependent enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and cell ablation therapy in conjunction with nitroreductase enzymes as hypoxia selective cytotoxins and as anticancer agents.

The present invention relates to the preparation of nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustards, and their use as prodrugs for GDEPT (gene-dependent enzyme-prodrug therapy) and cell ablation therapy in conjunction with nitroreductase enzymes, as hypoxia-selective cytotoxins, and as anticancer agents.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The use of tumour-selective prodrugs (relatively inactive compounds that can be selectively converted to more active compounds in vivo) is a valuable concept in cancer therapy.

For example a prodrug may be converted into an anti-tumour agent under the influence of an enzyme that is linkable to a monoclonal antibody that will bind to a tumour associated antigen. The combination of such a prodrug with such an enzyme monoclonal/antibody conjugate represents a very powerful clinical agent. This approach to cancer therapy, often referred to as “antibody directed enzyme/prodrug therapy” (ADEPT), is disclosed in W088/07378.

A further therapeutic approach termed “virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy” (VDEPT) has been proposed as a method for treating tumour cells in patients using prodrugs. Tumour cells are targeted with a viral vector carrying a gene encoding an enzyme capable of activating a prodrug. The gene may be transcriptionally regulated by tissue specific promoter or enhancer sequences. The viral vector enters tumour cells and expresses the enzyme, in order that a prodrug is converted to an active drug within the tumour cells (Huber et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1991) 88, 8039). Alternatively, non-viral methods for the delivery of genes have been used. Such methods include calcium phosphate co-precipitation, microinjection, liposomes, direct DNA uptake, and receptor-mediated DNA transfer. These are reviewed in Morgan & French, Annu. Rev. Biochem, 1993, 62; 191. The term “GDEPT” (gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy) is used to include both viral and non-viral delivery systems.

4-Nitroaromatic compounds are reduced by both mammalian and bacterial flavoprotein enzymes, which effect stepwise addition of up to six electrons. The major enzymic metabolite is usually the 4-electron species (hydroxylamine).

The present invention relates to novel nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustards having cytotoxic activity, to methods of preparing the novel compounds, and to the use of these compounds as prodrugs for GDEPT and for cell ablation therapy in conjunction with nitroreductase enzymes (particularly the nitro reductases encoded by the nfsB gene of E. coli or by Clostridia species), as hypoxia-selective cytotoxins, and as anticancer agents.

Both dinitrobenzamide aziridines (e.g., 1) [Knox et al., Cancer Met. Rev., 1993, 12, 195] and nitro- and dinitrobenzamide mustards (e.g., 2-4) [Friedlos et al., J. Med. Chem., 1997, 40, 1270] have been reported as substrates for the aerobic E. coli nitroreductase (NTR), and as specific prodrugs for GDEPT in conjunction with NTR.

Unsymmetrical (chloro-mesylate) mustards have been reported [e.g., Marais et al., Cancer Res. 1996, 56, 4735], including the dinitro analogue 5 [Friedlos et al., J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1270], which was described as not sufficiently potent for a full biological evaluation to be conducted.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a series of unsymmetrical mustards, methods for preparing the unsymmetrical mustards that are suitable for use as prodrugs for GDEPT (gene-dependent enzyme-prodrug therapy) and cell ablation therapy in conjunction with nitroreductase enzymes, as hypoxia-selective cytotoxins, and as anticancer agents or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMAMRY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by the general formula (I);

wherein X represents one of the groups NO₂, CN, or SO₂R¹, where R¹ represents a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when R¹ represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included;

Y represents one of the groups OR², NHCOR², CONR²CO₂R³, CONR²morpholide, CONHR², CONR²R³, CONHOR², CONHSO₂R², SO₂NH₂, SO₂NHR² or SO₂NR²R³ wherein each R² and R³ independently represent a H, C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups; and

A and B each independently represent halogen, OSO₂R⁴, OSO₂NH₂, OSO₂NHR⁴ or OSO₂NR⁴R⁵, wherein each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represent a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included;

and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof;

with the proviso

-   -   (i) that A≠B and     -   (ii) that     -    is excluded.

In a preferred embodiment the nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard is selected from a compound represented by one of formulae (IIa-IIc)

wherein X, Y, A and B are as defined above for a compound of Formula (I); and

pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof;

with the proviso

-   -   (i) that A≠B and     -   (iii) that     -    is excluded as a compound of Formula (IIa).

In a more preferred embodiment the nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard is selected from a compound represented by one of formulae (IIIa-IIIc)

wherein X, Y, are as defined above for a compound of Formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by the general formula (I);

wherein X represents one of the groups NO₂, CN, or SO₂R¹, where R¹ represents a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when R¹ represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included;

Y represents one of the groups OR², NHCOR², CONR²CO₂R³, CONR²morpholide, CONHR², CONR²R³, CONHOR², CONHSO₂R², SO₂NH₂, SO₂NHR² or SO₂NR²R³ wherein each R² and R³ independently represent a H, C₁₋₆lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups; and

A and B each independently represent halogen, OSO₂R⁴, OSO₂NH₂, OSO₂NHR⁴ or OSO₂NR⁴R⁵, wherein each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represent a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included;

and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof;

with the proviso

-   -   (i) that A≠B     -   the method including the step of         -   (i) reacting a compound of         -    with an amount of an alkali metal halide in a polar solvent             to give an unsymmetrical halo-mesylate compound.

In a preferred embodiment the method of preparing a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by the general formula represented by one of formulae (IIa-IIc)

wherein X, Y, A and B are as defined above for a compound of Formula (I); and

pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof;

with the proviso

-   -   (i) that A≠B and the method including the step of         -   (i) reacting a compound of         -    with an amount of an alkali metal halide or mesylate halide             in a polar solvent to give a unsymmetrical halo-mesylate             compound.

In a more preferred embodiment the method of preparing a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by one of formulae (IIIa-IIIc)

wherein X, Y, are as defined above for a compound of Formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof; the method including the step of

-   -   (ii) reacting a compound of         with an amount of LiBr in a polar solvent to give a bromo         mesylate of one of formulae (IIIa-IIIe).

It is preferred in the methods defined above that the polar solvent is selected from acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, triethylamine, acetone and mixtures thereof.

It is preferred in the methods defined above that the alkali metal halide is selected from one or more of the following; LiCl, LiBr, NaI and NaBr.

In a third aspect there is provided a compound of formula (I) obtained by any one of the preparative methods defined above.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for the use as prodrugs suitable for GDEPT (gene-dependent enzyme-prodrug therapy) in conjunction with at least one nitroreductase enzyme, as hypoxia-selective cytotoxins, including the step of administering a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of Formulae Ia-Ic, IIa-IIc and IIIa-c as defined above or a mixture thereof in a “therapeutically effective amount” to tumour cells in a subject.

Preferably, the nitroreductase enzyme is encoded for by the nfsB gene of either E. Coli or by Clostridia species.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for the use as prodrugs suitable for GDEPT (gene-dependent enzyme-prodrug therapy) in conjunction with at least one nitroreductase enzyme, as an anticancer agent including the step of administering a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of Formulae Ia-Ic, IIa-IIc and IIIa-c as defined above or a mixture thereof in a “therapeutically effective amount” to target tumour cells in a subject.

Preferably the nitroreductase enzyme is encoded for by the nfsB gene of either E. Coli or by Clostridia species.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cell ablation therapy utilising at least one nitroreductase enzyme, wherein the method includes the step of administering a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of Formulae Ia-Ic, IIa-IIc and IIIa-c as defined above or a mixture thereof in a “therapeutically effective amount” to ablate tumour cells in tissue in a subject, wherein said tissue expresses the at least one nitroreductase enzyme.

Preferably the nitroreductase enzyme is encoded for by the nfsB gene of either E. Coli or by Clostridia species.

Preferably, the cell ablation therapy provides a substantially minimal bystander effect.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a compound of formulae Ia-c, IIa-c, IIIa-c or a mixture thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant, carrier, buffer or stabiliser.

The pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant, carrier, buffer or stabiliser should preferably be non-toxic and should not interfere with the efficacy of the active ingredient. The precise nature of the carrier or other material will depend on the route of administration, which may be oral, or by injection, such as cutaneous, subcutaneous, or intravenous. It is to be appreciated that these factors could be readily determined by someone skilled in the art without undue experimentation.

Pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration may be in tablet, capsule, powder or liquid form. A tablet may comprise a solid carrier or an adjuvent. Liquid pharmaceutical compositions generally comprise a liquid carrier such as water, petroleum, animal or vegetable oils, mineral oil or synthetic oil. Physiological saline solution, dextrose or other saccharide solution or glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol may be included. A capsule may comprise a solid carrier such as gelatin.

For intravenous, cutaneous or subcutaneous injection, the active ingredient will be in the form of a parenterally acceptable aqueous solution which is pyrogen-free and has a suitable pH, isotonicity and stability. Those of relevent skill in the art are well able to prepare suitable solutions using, for example, isotonic vehicles such as Sodium

Chloride injection, Ringer's injection, Lactated Ringer's injection. Preservatives, stabilisers, buffers antioxidants and/or other additives may be included as required.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided, the use in the manufacture of a medicament of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of Formulae Ia-Ic, IIa-IIc and IIIa-c as defined above, for use in GDEPT to target cancer cells in a subject in need thereof.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided, the use in the manufacture of a medicament of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of Formulae Ia-Ic, IIa-IIc and IIIa-c as defined above, for use in cell ablation therapy to target cancer cells in a subject in need thereof.

While the compounds of the present invention will typically be used to target tumour cells or tumour tissues in human subjects, they may be used to target tumour cells or tissues in other warm blooded animal subjects such as other primates, farm animals such as cattle, and sports animals and pets such as horses, dogs, and cats.

As used throughout the specification the term “therapeutically effective amount”, is to be understood as an amount of a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of any one of compounds Ia-c, IIa-c and IIIa-c as defined above or a mixture thereof that is sufficient to show benefit to a subject with cancer cells. The actual amount, rate and time-course of administration, will depend on the nature and severity of the disease being treated. Prescription of treatment is within the responsibility of general practitioners and other medical doctors.

It is to be understood that the compounds of the invention as defined above may be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, especially radiotherapy, either simultaneously or sequentially dependent upon the condition to be treated.

As used throughout the specification the pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof include acid derived salts formed from are hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, citric, oxalic, malonic, salicylic, malic, fumaric, succinic, ascorbic, maleic, methanesulfonic, isethionic acids and the like and base derived salts formed from sodium and potassium carbonate, sodium and potassium hydroxide, ammonia, triethylamine, triethanolamine and the like.

The technique of cell ablation therapy, would be known to someone skilled in the art. This therapy can be used to selectively ablate specified target cells or tissue through specific enzymatic expression of a nitroreductase for example, that is specifically expressed by the tissue and which can then be employed to active a prodrug into an active metabolite to ablate the specified target cells or tissue. (Gusterson et al. Endocrine Related Cancer, 1997, 4, 67-74.)

The expression “substantially minimal bystander effect” is to be understood as meaning that the killing of adjoining non-targeted tumour cells is minimal as a result of diffusion between the targeted tumour cells and non-targeted tumour cells of an activated metabolite that arises from the enzymatic activation of a compound of Formula I as defined above or a compound of any one of compounds Ia-c, IIa-c and IIIa-c as defined above or a mixture thereof.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying synthetic schemes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compounds of formula (I) and the acid addition salts and N-oxides thereof may be prepared by the processes outlined in Schemes 1-3, examples of which are found in Examples A-C.

In Schemes 1-3, the key reaction is reaction of the dimesylates 6, 9, 13a-13g and 18a-18d with strictly controlled amounts of LiBr or NaI in a polar solvent like DMF or MeCN to give the unsymmetrical bromo- and iodo-mesylate mustards. The method can also be adapted to reaction of the known chloromesylate (5) to give the unsymmetrical chloro/bromo mustard IIa2. While this reaction gives varying amounts of the corresponding bis(bromo) or bis(iodo) compounds as well, these can be easily separated by chromatography to give the pure unsymmetrical mustards.

Compounds of formula I wherein X represents SO₂Me, Y represents CONR²R³, and A and B each independently represent halogen or OSO₂R⁴ (with the proviso that A≠B) can be prepared by the general route outlined (for a specific example) in Scheme 4, from 3,4-difluorobenzonitrile [after Atwell et al., Anti-Cancer Drug Design, 1996, 11, 553-567]. Reaction of this with NaSMe followed by oxidation provides the SO₂Me group, and the nitrile is then elaborated to the CONR²R³ function. Displacement of the 4F group with diethanolamine, followed by elaboration, gives the required asymmetric mustards.

Compounds of formula I wherein X represents CN, Y represents CONR²R³, and A and B each independently represent halogen or OSO₂R⁴ (with the proviso that A≠B) can be prepared by the general route outlined (as shown for a specific example) in Scheme 5, from 3,4-difluorobenzonitrile [after Atwell et al., Anti-Cancer Drug Design, 1996, 11, 553-567]. Conversion of the nitrile to a carboxamide (hydrolysis followed by amination), then displacement of the 3-F with TMS-CN, followed by reaction of the 4-F group with diethanolamine and subsequent elaboration as in Scheme 4 gives the required asymmetric mustard.

Compounds of formula I wherein X represents NO₂, Y represents NHCOR², and A and B each independently represent halogen or OSO₂R⁴ (with the proviso that A≠B) can be prepared by the general route outlined (as shown for a specific example) in Scheme 6, from 2,4-dinitro-5-chlorobenzoic acid. Curtius reaction with DPPA, followed by hydrolysis and acetylation gives the acetamide. Reaction of the 5-Cl group with diethanolamine and subsequent elaboration as in Scheme 4 gives the required asymmetric mustard.

Compounds of formula I wherein X represents NO₂, Y represents OR², and A and B each independently represent halogen or OSO₂R⁴ (with the proviso that A≠B) can be prepared by the general route outlined (as shown for a specific example) in Scheme 7, from 1,5-dichloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Reaction of the more active 1-Cl group with NaOMe gives the methyl ether, and subsequent elaboration of the 5-Cl group as in Scheme 4 gives the required asymmetric mustard.

Compounds of formula I wherein X represents NO₂, Y represents SO₂NHR², and A and B each independently represent halogen or OSO₂R⁴ (with the proviso that A≠B) can be prepared by the general route outlined (as shown for a specific example) in Scheme 8, from 5-chloro-2,4-dinitroaniline (see Scheme 6). Diazotization followed by oxidation and amination provides the sulphonamide [Herbert R B & Hollman R G. Tetrahedron 1965, 21, 663-675], and subsequent elaboration of the 5-Cl group as in Scheme 4 gives the required asymmetric mustard.

The following Table 1 sets out physicochemical data for 25 compounds within the general formula I, representative of it, and preparable by the processes of the invention. TABLE 1

No Y X A B PRIOR ART COMPOUND 5 CONH₂ NO₂ Cl OMs [Friedlos et al., J. Med Chem. 1997, 40, 1270] Examples of formula IIa No Y X A B mp (° C.) formula analyses IIa2 CONH₂ NO₂ Cl Br 153 C₁₁H₁₂BrClN₄O₅ C, H, N, Cl IIa3 CONH₂ NO₂ Br OMs 160-161 C₁₂H₁₅BrN₄O₈S C, H, N, Br IIa4 CONH₂ NO₂ I OMs 160 C₁₂H₁₅IN₄O₈S C, H, N, I IIa5 CONH(CH₂)₂OH NO₂ Br OMs 102-104 C₁₄H₁₉Br₄N₄O₉S C, H, N, Br IIa6 CONH(CH₂)₃OH NO₂ Br OMs gum C₁₅H₂₁Br₄N₄O₉S HRMS IIa7 CONHCH₂CH(OH)— NO₂ Br OMs 117-118 C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S C, H, N, Cl CH₂OH Examples of formula IIb IIb1 CONH₂ NO₂ Cl OMs 155-157 C₁₂H₁₅ClN₄O₈S C, H, N, Cl IIb2 CONH₂ NO₂ Br OMs 153-154 C₁₂H₁₅BrN₄O₈S C, H, N, Br IIb3 CONH(CH₂)₂OH NO₂ Br OMs gum C₁₄H₁₉BrN₄O₉S HRMS IIb4 CONH(CH₂)₂OH NO₂ I OMs gum C₁₄H₁₉IN₄O₉S IIb5 CONH(CH₂)₃OH NO₂ Br OMs oil C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₉S IIb6 CONHCH₂CH(OH)— NO₂ Br OMs gum C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S C, H, N, Br CH₂OH IIb7 CONH(CH₂)₃Nmorph NO₂ Br OMs gum C₁₉H₂₈BrN₅O₉S HRMS IIb8 CONH(CH₂)₂CO₂Me NO₂ Cl OMs oil C₁₆H₂₁ClN₄O₁₀S HRMS IIb9 CONH(CH₂)₂CO₂Me NO₂ Br OMs gum C₁₆H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S HRMS Examples of formula IIc IIc1 CONH₂ NO₂ Cl OMs 134-136 C₁₂H₁₅ClN₄O₈S C, H, N, S IIc2 CONH₂ NO₂ Br OMs 143-145 C₁₂H₁₅BrN₄O₈S C, H, N, Br IIc3 CONH(CH₂)₂OH NO₂ Br OMs 94-97 C₁₄H₁₉BrN₄O₉S C, H, N IIc4 CONH(CH₂)₃OH NO₂ Cl OMs 104-109 C₁₅H₂₁ClN₄O₉S C, H, N, Cl IIc5 CONH(CH₂)₃OH NO₂ Br OMs 115-117 C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₉S C, H, N IIc6 CONH(CH₂)₄OH NO₂ Br OMs 114-117 C₁₆H₂₃BrN₄O₉S C, H, N IIc7 CONHCH₂CH(OH)— NO₂ Cl OMs 100-105 C₁₅H₂₁ClN₄O₁₀S C, H, N, Cl CH₂OH IIc8 CONH₂CH₂CH(OH)C NO₂ Br OMs 108-110 C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S C, H, N, Br H₂OH IIc9 CONH(CH₂)₃Nmorph NO₂ Cl OMs 113-116 C₁₉H₂₈ClN₅O₉S HRMS IIc10 CONH(CH₂)₃Nmorph NO₂ Br OMs 114-117 C₁₉H₂₈BrN₅O₉S HRMS

The following Examples A-C illustrate the preparation of compounds representative of the general formula (I).

EXAMPLE A Preparation of Analogues of Class IIa by the Method Outlined in Scheme 1.

5-[(2-Bromoethyl)(2-chloroethyl)amino]-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (IIa2).

A mixture of 2-[5-(aminocarbonyl)(2-chloroethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (5) [Friedlos et al., J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1270] (0.91 g, 2.2 mmol) and LiBr (0.21 g, 2.4 mmol) in anhydrous MeCN (25 mL) was stirred under reflux for 1.5 h, then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (3:2) to give a crude product contaminated with the corresponding dibromo mustard. Purification by multiple recrystallisations from EtOAc/I-Pr₂O gave IIa2 (595 mg, 68%):

mp 153° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.52 (s, 1H, H-3), 8.17 & 7.82 (2×s, 2H, CONH₂), 7.43 (s, 1H, H-6), 3.82 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H, CH₂Cl), 3.77-3.63 (m, 6H, N(CH₂—)CH₂CH₂Br). Anal. Calc for C₁₁H₁₂BrClN₄O₅: C, 33.4; H, 3.1; N, 14.2; Cl, 9.6. Found: C, 33,4; H, 3.0; N, 14.1; Cl, 8.9%.

2-[5-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIa3).

A mixture of 2-(5-(aminocarbonyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (6) [Friedlos et al., J. Med. Chem., 1997, 40, 1270] (1.60 g, 3.4 mmol) and LiBr (356 mg, 4.1 mmol) in anhydrous MeCN (30 mL) was stirred under reflux for 1 h The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ (11:9) gave the dibromo mustard, while further elution with EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ (3:1) gave IIa3 (0.61 g, 39%):

mp (EtOAc/I-Pr₂O) 160-161° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.53 (s, 1H, H-3), 8.14 & 7.83 (2×s, 2H, CONH₂), 7.46 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.33 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂O), 3.74 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂O), 3.70 (br s, 4H, CH₂CH₂Br), 3.14 (s, 3H, CH₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₂H₁₅BrN₄O₈S: C, 31.7; H, 3.3; N, 12.3; Br, 17.6. Found: C, 32.0; H, 3.4; N, 12.2; Br, 17.7%.

2-[5-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-iodoethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIa4).

A mixture of 6 (1.12 g, 2.38 mmol) and NaI (0.46 g, 3.07 mmol) in anhydrous MeCN (20 mL) was stirred at reflux for 1 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ (1:1) gave the diiodo mustard, while further elution with EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ (3:1) gave IIa4 (0.49 g, 41%):

mp (Me₂CO/EtOAc/I-Pr₂O) 160° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.52 (s, 1H, H-3), 8.14 & 7.83 (2×s, 2H, NH₂), 7.44 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.33 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂O), 3.73 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂O), 3.65 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂I), 3.40 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H, CH₂I), 3.13 (s, 3H, CH₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₂H₁₅IN₄O₈S: C, 28.7; H, 3.0; N, 11.2; I, 25.3. Found: C, 29.4; H, 3.0; N, 11.0; I, 25.0%.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)5-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIa5).

A stirred solution of methyl 5-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2,4-dinitrobenzoate [Palmer et al., J. Med. Chem 1994, 37, 2175] (5.50 g, 16.7 mmol) and Et₃N (5.82 mL, 41.8 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was treated dropwise at 0° C. with MsCl (3.14 mL, 40.0 mmol). After 30 min, 10% aqueous KHCO₃ (100 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 min at 0° C. and then diluted with pet. ether (500 mL). The precipitated product was collected and washed with water and iPr₂O to give methyl 5-(bis{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-2,4-dinitrobenzoate (7) (7.44 g, 92%):

mp (CH₂Cl₂/pet. ether) 157-158° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO} δ 8.62 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.77 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.35 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 4H, 2×CH₂O), 3.88 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.73 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 4H, N(CH₂)CH₂), 3.13 (s, 6H, 2×SO₂CH₃). Anal calcd for C₁₄H₁₉N₂O₁₂S₂: C, 34.6; H, 3.9; N, 8.7; S, 13.2. Found: C, 34.8; H, 3.7; N, 8.9; S, 13.1%.

Hydrolysis of 7 (3.0 g, 6.18 mmol) with 3 N KOH (40 mL) in dioxane (200 mL) at room temperature for 15 min followed by acidification with 1N HCl and extraction with EtOAc gave a quantitative yield of 5-(bis{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid (8), mp 200-210° C., which was used for the next step without further purification;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 14.1 (v br s, 1H, CO₂H), 8.57 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.69 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.34 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 4H, 2×CH₂O), 3.72 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 4H, 2×CH₂CH₂O), 3.13 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃).

A suspension of 8 (3.20 g, 6.79 mmol) in SOCl₂ (60 mL) containing DMF (2 drops) was heated under reflux for 1 h. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure, followed by azeotroping in with benzene gave the crude acid chloride, which was dissolved in dry Me₂CO (80 mL) and treated at 0° C. with 2-aminoethanol (1.24 g, 20.3 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 5 min, the mixture was acidified to pH 2-3 with 0.2 N HCl, concentrated to half volume, and then solid NaBr was added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2×) and the combined extracts were washed with saturated NaBr solution, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/MeOH (15:1) to give 2-(5-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl} {2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (9a) (2.87 g, 82%) as a gum that was used directly.

A mixture of 9a (1.80 g, 3.50 mmol) and LiBr (0.43 g, 4.95 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for 2 h. The reaction was then poured into saturated NaBr solution and extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined extracts were washed with saturated NaBr solution, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc, to give 5-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (10a) (0.78 g, 46%):

mp (MeOH/EtOAc/pet. ether) 151-152° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.73 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.53 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.43 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.76 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H, OH), 3.77-3.64 (m, 8H, N(CH₂CH₂Br)₂), 3.53 (q, J=6.0 Hz, 2H, CH₂OH), 3.31 (q, partially obscured, J=6.1 Hz, 2H, CONHCH₂). Anal. calcd for C₁₃H₁₆Br₂N₄O₆): C, 32.3;H, 3.3; 11.6; 33.0. Found: C, 32.6; H, 3.3; N, 11.6; Br, 33.3%.

Further elution with EtOAc/MeOH (9:1) gave IIa5 (0.73 g, 42%):

mp (EtOAc) 102-104° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.70 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.54 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.46 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.76 (J=5.5 Hz, 1H, OH), 4.34 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂OSO₂), 3.74 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂OSO₂), 3.70 (br s, 4H, CH₂CH₂Br), 3.53 (q, J=6.0 Hz, 2H, CH₂OH), 3.31 (q, partially obscured, J=6.1 Hz, 2H, CONHCH₂), 3.14 (s, 3H, CH₃). Anal. calcd for C₁₄H₁₉BrN₄O₉S: C, 34.3; H, 3.9; N, 11.0; Br, 15.9. Found: C, 33.8; H, 3.8; H, 11.2; Br, 16.0%.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)5-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIa6).

5-(Bis {2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl} amino)-2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid (8) was heated under reflux in excess SOCl₂ (60 mL) and catalytic DMF for 1 h. Evaporation under reduced pressure, followed by azeotroping in benzene, gave the crude acid chloride. This was dissolved in dry Me₂CO and treated at 0° C. with 3-amino-1-propanol at 0° C. for 5 min. The mixture was acidified to pH 2-3 with 0.2 N HCl, concentrated to half volume, and then solid NaBr was added, followed by extraction with EtOAc (2×). Evaporation, and chromatography of the residue on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/MeOH (9:1), gave 2-(5-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (9b) (68%) as a yellow gum;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.54 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (s, 1h), 7.45 (s, 1H), 4.43 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 4.33 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 4H), 3.69 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 4H), 3.57(q, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (after D₂O exchange, t, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 3.12 (s, 6H), 1.66 (pent, J=6.7 Hz, 2H). HRMS (FAB) calcd. for C₁₆H₂₅N₄O₁₂S (MH⁺) m/z 529.0910; found 529.0904.

A solution of 9b in DMF was treated with LiBr (1.4 equiv.), and worked up as above, and the product was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc gave a small amount of the dibromo mustard 10b, while elution with EtOAc/MeOH (19:1) gave IIa6 (31%) as a yellow gum: ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.60 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (s, 1H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 4.45 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 4.33 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.72-3.66 (m, 4H), 3.49 (q, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.27 (after D₂O exchange, t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.14 (s, 3H) , 1.68 (pent, J=6.7 Hz, 2H). HRMS (FAB) calcd. for C₁₅H₂₂ ⁷⁹BrN₄O₉S (MH⁺) m/z 515.0270; found 515.0283.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-5-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIa7).

Reaction of the crude acid chloride made as above from acid 8 (2.9 g, 6.15 mmol) was dissolved in Me₂CO (100 mL), cooled in an ice-bath and treated with an excess of 3-amino-1,2-propanediol. After string for 10 min. the reaction mixture was acidified to pH 2-3 with 1 N HCl, most of the solvent was evaporated, and the residue was partitioned between water and EtOAc. The aqueous layer was re-extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic phases were dried and evaporated. The residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed, elution with EtOAc/MeOH (from 50:1 to 10:1) giving 2-(5-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (9c) (2.92 g, 87%) as a yellow oil;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.66 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.54 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.48 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.81 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H, CHOH), 4.59 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H, CH₂O H), 4.35 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.66 (m, 4H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 3.46-3.36 (m, 4H), 3.13 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR δ 164.48; 147.09, 138.26, 137.27, 136.60, 124.17, 121.72, 70.02, 66.69, 63.68, 50.21, 42.68, 36.55. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₆H₂₅N₄O₁₃S₂545.08596; Found 545.0856.

A solution of 9c (1.28 g, 2.53 mmol) was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL) and treated with LiBr (347 mg, 4.0 mmol) at 60° C. for 2 h. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed. Elution with EtOAc/MeOH (from 1:0 to 10:2) gave 5-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (10c) (0.4 g, 31%) as a foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.71 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.53 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.43 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.86 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H, CHOH), 4.59 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂OH), 3.70-3.10 (m, 13H); ¹³C NMR δ 164.61, 146.65, 137.99, 137.35, 136.52, 124.25, 121.20, 70.05, 63.73, 52.44, 42.76, 30.33. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₄H₁₉ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₇ 512.9621; Found 512.9596.

Further elution gave IIa7 (0.62 g, 46%):

mp (EtOAc) 117-118° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.68 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.53 (s, 1H, H-3), 7.46 (s, 1H, H-6), 4.82 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H, CHOH), 4.56 (t, J=5.1, 1H, CH₂OH), 4.32 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.75-3.60 (m, 7H), 3.46-3.36 (m, 4H), 3.13 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ 164.48, 146.84, 138.05, 137.29, 136.52, 124.18, 121.40, 70.01, 66.74, 63.68, 52.89, 49.56, 42.69, 36.55, 30.20. Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S: C, 34.1; H, 4.0; N, 10.6; Br, 15.0. Found: C, 34.0; H, 4.0; N, 10.5; Br, 15.2%.

Further elution gave starting material (9c) (0.27 g, 20%).

EXAMPLE B Preparation of Analogues of Class IIb by the Method Outlined in Scheme 2.

2-[2-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-chloroethyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIb1).

A solution of 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-3,5-dinitrobenzamide [Friedlos et al., J. Med. Chem, 1997, 40, 1270] (2.5 g, 8 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL) was cooled in an ice-bath and Et₃N (8 mL) and MsCl (4 mL) were added in one portion. After stirred for 10 min, satd. NaHCO₃ (100 mL) was added, and after a further 30 min the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×70 mL), the combined organic phase were dried, concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1 to 1:0), gave IIb1 (0.6 g, 18%): mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 155-157° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.34 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-3), 8.19 (s, 1H, CONH), 7.99 (s, 1H, CONH), 4.29 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.73 (m, 2H, CH₂Cl), 3.48 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂N), 3.15 (s, 3H, OSO₂CH₃); ¹³C NMR δ 167.11, 145.98, 146.34, 140.84, 136.05. 127.26, 122.22, 67.49, 54.35, 51.34, 41.36, 36.46. Anal. Calcd for C₁₂H₁₅ClN₄O₈S: C, 35.1; H, 3.7; N, 13.7; Cl, 8.5. Found: C, 35.7; H, 3.9; N, 13.6; Cl, 8.7%. Further elution gave 2-(2-(aminocarbonyl) {2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (13a) (3.0 g, 80%):

mp (EtOAc) 149-150° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.73 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.35 (d, J=2.9 Hz, 1H, H-3), 8.19 (s, 1H, CONH), 8.00 (s, 1H. CONH), 4.31 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.49 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂—N), 3.14 (s, 6H, 2×OSO₂CH₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₃H₁₈N₄O₁₁S₂: C, 33.2; H, 3.9; N, 11.9. Found: C, 33.7; H, 4.0; N, 11.8%.

2-[2-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIb2).

A solution of dimesylate 13a (1.62 g, 3.5 mmol) in warm EtOAc (100 mL) was treated with one portion of LiBr (400 mg, 4.7 mmol), and the mixture was heated to 60° C. for 2 h. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1 to 1:0) gave the dibromide (0.31 g, 20%) as yellow solid. (lit., foam) [Friedlos et al., J. Med. Chem. 1997, 1270]. Further elution gave IIb2 (0.85 g, 53%):

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 153-154° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.33 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-3), 8.19 (s, 1H, CONH), 7.99 (s, 1H, CONH), 4.29 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.60 (m, 2H, CH₂Br), 3.49 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂—N), 3.14 (s, 3H, OSO₂CH₃); ¹³C NMR δ 167.11, 145.75, 146.37, 140.92, 136.12, 127.24, 122.20, 67.53, 54.41, 51.16, 36.46, 29.73. Anal. Calcd for C₁₂H₁₅BrN₄O₈S: C, 31.7;H, 3.3; N, 12.3; Br, 17.4. Found: C, 31.4; H, 3.4; N, 12.3; Br, 17.8%.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIIb3).

2-Aminoethanol (2.9 g, 47 mmol) in 5 mL of water was added in one portion to a solution of crude 2-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid chloride [prepared from 2-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid 11 (5.0 g, 18.3 mmol) with SOCl₂] in Me₂CO (50 mL) while cooling in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred for 30 min, then acidified with 1N HCl to pH4-5 and concentrated under reduced pressure to remove the Me₂CO. EtOAc (100 mL) was added, and after 2 h a white solid was collected, washed with EtOAc and air-dried to give 2-chloro-3,5-dinitro-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzamide (12b) (3.0 g, 36%): mp (EtOAc) 159-160° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.99 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.86 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.56 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H, H-3), 4.83 (m, 1H, —OH), 3.54 (m, 4H) which was used for next step without further purification.

A solution of 12b (0.6 g, 2.14 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ was cooled in an ice-bath, and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (2.0 mL) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.1 g) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h, then concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography of the residue on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 1:2 to 2:1), gave 2-chloro-3,5-dinitro-N-[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)ethyl]benzamide (12c) (0.8 g, 100%): as an oil; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.67 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.60 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.02 (m, 1H, CONH), 4.54 (m, 1H), 4.00-3.50 (m, 6H), 1.84-1.75 (m, 6H) which was used for next step without further purification. Reaction of 12c with diethanolamine, followed by MsCl/Et₃N as described above, gave 2-[{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-4,6-dinitro-6-({[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)ethyl]amino}carbonyl)anilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (13c) (1.28 g, 100%): as a yellow foam; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.63 (d, J=2.9 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.51 (d, J=2.9 Hz, 1H, H-3), 4.55 (m, 1H), 4.39 (m, 4H), 4.00-3.59 (m, 10H), 3.15 (s, 3H) , 3.03 (s, 3H) , 1.64-1.39 (m, 6H) which was used in the next step without further purification.

A solution of 13c (1.28 g, 2.14 mmol) in THF (60 mL) was treated with 1N HCl (40 mL), and the solution was stirred at 20° C. for 1 h, then diluted with water (100 mL), neutralized with satd. NaHCO₃, and extracted with EtOAc (3×80 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine and dried, the solvent was evaporated, and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/MeOH(from 1:0 to 100:2), to give 13b (0.84 g, 76%): as a yellow foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.78 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.36 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-3), 4.29 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.56 (m, 2H), 3.45 (m, 6H), 3.14 (s, 6H, 2×OSO₂CH₃); ¹³C NMR δ 165.37, 146.27, 145.06, 140,63, 135.78, 127.62, 122.32, 67.26, 59.17, 51.26, 42.14, 36.44.

Treatment of 13c (0.49 g, 0.95 mmol) with LiBr (0.100 g, 1.2 mmol) in EtOAc (60 mL) at 60° C. for 3 h, and chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 2:1 to 1:0) gave the dibromide (14c) (0.24 g, 53%). Further elution gave IIb3 (0.20 g, 42%): as yellow foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.36 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-3), 4.28 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.58 (m, 4H), 3.44 (m, 4H), 3.14 (s, 3H, OSO₂CH₃); ¹³C NMR δ 165.33, 145.79, 145.20, 140,87, 135.11, 127.50, 122.19, 67.49, 59.18, 54.21, 50.99, 42.09, 36.44, 29.68. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₄H₂₀ ⁷⁹BrN₄O₉S 499.01344; Found 499.01324.

2-((2-Iodoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIb4).

Treatment of 13b (6.7 g, 13.0 mmol) with NaI (2.9 g, 20 mmol) in EtOAc (200 mL) at 60° C. for 3 h, and chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 2:1 to 1:0) gave 2-[bis(2-iodoethyl)amino]-N-(3-hydroxyethyl)-3,5-dinitrobenzamide (3.3 g, 44%) as a yellow solid:

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 129-131° C.; ¹H NMR ((CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.72 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.70 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.32 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.80 (m, 1H), 3.55 (m, 2H), 3.43 (m, 4H), 3.31 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR δ 165.3, 145.2, 144.7, 141.0, 136.3, 127.3, 122.0, 59.3, 54.7, 42.1, 2.94.

Later eluates gave IIb4 (1.35 g, 19%) as a yellow foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.74 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.34 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.28 (m, 2H), 3.56 (m, 2H), 3.43 (m, 2H), 3.31 (m, 6H), 3.13 (s, 3H) ; ¹³C NMR δ 165.3, 145.5, 145.2, 140.8, 136.1, 127.4, 122.1, 67.5, 59.2, 55.4, 50.6, 42.1, 36.5, 2.6. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₁₄H₂₀IN₄O₉S [M+H⁺] m/z 546.9996. Found; 546.9997.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIb5).

A solution of 12d (1.22 g, 4.0 mmol) in 50 mL of CH₂Cl₂ was cooled in an ice-bath, and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (1.0 mL) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.1 g) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h, then concentrated under reduced pressure. Chromatography of the residue on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 1:2 to 2:1), gave 2-chloro-3,5-dinitro-N-[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)propyl]benzamide (12e) (1.45 g, 94%): as a pale yellow oil;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.99 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.81 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.51 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.57 (m, 1H), 3.72 (m, 2H), 3.46-3.25 (m, 4H), 1.82-1.44 (m, 8H). ¹³C NMR δ 162.7, 148.4, 145.9, 140.3, 128.2, 125.8, 120.5, 98.0, 64.2, 61.3, 36.5, 30.2, 28.9, 24.9, 19.1. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₁₅H₁₉ ³⁵ClIN₃O₇ [M+H⁺] m/z 388.0912. Found; 388.0915.

Reaction of 12e (1.45 g, 3.75 mmol) with diethanolamine (1.67 g) as above gave 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-3,5-dinitro-N-[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)propyl]benzamide (1.62 g, 95%) as a yellow foam that was used directly;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.96 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.66 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.31 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.95 (m, 2H), 4.56 (m, 1H), 3.79-3.16 (m, 14H), 1.80-1.45 (m, 8H); ¹³C NMR δ 166.2, 148.1, 143.6, 139.3, 133.8, 128.9, 123.8, 98.5, 64.8, 61.7, 58.5, 54.6, 37.3, 30.6, 29.2, 25.4, 19.6. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₁₉H₂₉N₄O₆ [M+H⁺] m/z 457.1935. Found; 457.1939.

Reaction of the above diol (1.62 g, 3.55 mmol) with MsCl (2 mL) as above gave 2-[{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-4,6-dinitro-6-({[2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)propyl]-amino}carbonyl)anilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (13e) (2.17 g, 100%): as a yellow foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.71 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.71 (m, 1H), 8.31 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (m, 4H), 3.71-3.37 (m, 10H), 3.13 (s, 6H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.43 (m, 8H); ¹³C NMR δ 165.1, 146.3, 145.4, 140.9, 135.9, 127.4, 122.2, 98.0, 67.2, 64.3, 51.4, 45.7, 36.5, 30.2, 28.7, 24.9, 19.1, 8.5. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₂₁H₃₃N₄O₁₃S₂ [M+H⁺] m/z 613.1486. Found; 613.1481.

A solution of 13e (2.95 g, 3.55 mmol) in THF (120 mL) was treated with 1N HCl (80 mL), and the solution was stirred at 20° C. for 1 h, then diluted with water (100 mL), neutralized with satd. NaHCO₃, and extracted with EtOAc (3×80 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine and dried, the solvent was evaporated, and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/MeOH(100:1), to give 2-[{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-4,6-dinitro-6-([{2-hydroxypropyl-amino}carbonyl)anilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (13d) (1.4 g, 75%): as a yellow solid:

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 130-133° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.72 (m, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (m, 4H), 3.47 (m, 8H), 3.14 (s, 6H), 1.71 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 165.2, 146.3, 145.3, 140.8, 135.9, 127.5, 122.3, 67.3, 58.4, 51.4, 36.8, 36.5, 31.7. Anal. (C₁₆H₂₄N₄O₁₂S₂) C, H, N.

Treatment of 13d (0.25 g, 0.45 mmol) with LiBr (53 mg, 0.7 mmol) in EtOAc (50 mL) at 60° C. for 3 h, and chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 2:1 to 1:0) gave IIb5 (0.16 g, 66%): as yellow foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.73 (m, 1H), 8.31 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (m, 2H), 3.65-3.44 (m, 10H), 3.13 (s, 3H) , 1.70 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 165.1, 145.7, 145.4, 141.0, 136.2, 127.3, 122.1, 67.5, 58.4, 51.1, 36.7, 36.5, 31.7, 29.6. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₁₅H₂₂ ⁷⁹BrN₄O₉S [M+H⁺] m/z 513.0291. Found; 513.0281.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIb6).

A solution of 2-(2-({[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl]amino}carbonyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (13g) [Palmer et al., J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1272] (5.0 mmol) in MeOH (200 mL) was treated with p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.2 g) at room temperature for 4 h. Most of the MeOH was then evaporated, and the residue was taken up in EtOAc (200 mL), washed with satd. NaHCO₃ and brine, dried and concentrated. Chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/MeOH (20:1), gave 2-(2-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (13f) (2.0 g, 73%): as yellow foam; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.37 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H, H-3), 4.30 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.66 (m, 1H), 3.48-3.30 (m, 8H), 3.14 (s, 6H, 2×OSO₂CH₃); ¹³C NMR δ 165.42, 146.24, 145.09, 140.60, 135.77, 127.67, 122.26, 69.77, 67.29, 63.87, 51.29, 42.98, 36.44. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₆H₂₅N₄O₁₃S₂ 545.08596; Found 545.08680.

Treatment of 13f (1.50 g, 2.75 mmol) with LiBr (0.21 g, 2.0 mmol) in EtOAc (60 mL) at 60° C. for 3 h, followed by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/MeOH 20:1), gave the dibromide 14f (0.5 g, 35%) as a yellow foam and then IIb6 (0.62 g, 34%): yellow solid; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (d, J=2.8 Hz, I H, H-5), 8.71 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.36 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-3), 4.28 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.69-3.30 (m, 11H), 3.14 (s, 3H) ; ¹³C NMR δ 165.52, 145.87, 145.30, 140.93, 136.20, 127.64, 122.23, 68.89, 67.62, 63.93, 54.35, 51.08, 43.04, 36.52, 29.80. Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S: C, 34.1; H, 4.0; N, 10.6; Br, 15.0. Found: C, 34.0; H, 4.0; N, 10.5; Br, 15.2%. Further elution gave starting material 8e (0.28, 19%).

2- [(2-Bromoethyl)-2-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIb7).

2-Chloro-N-[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]-3,5-dinitrobenzamide (12h) (0.5 g, 1.34 mmol) was reacted with diethanolamine (0.5 g) in p-dioxane (10 mL) at room temperature for 3 h. The reaction mixture was poured into brine, extracted with EtOAc (3×70 mL), and the combined organic phases were dried and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-N-[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]-3,5-dinitrobenzamide. This was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL), cooled in an ice-bath, and treated with Et₃N (1.5 mL) followed by MsCl (0.7 mL) in one portion. After stirring for 10 min, sat. NaHCO₃ (100 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 min, then the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₃ (2×70 mL). The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography, eluting with EtOAc/MeOH (20:1 to 9:0) to give yield 2-[{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (13h) (0.75 g, 93%) as a foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.20 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-3),4.28 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.56 (m, 5H), 3.44 (m, 5H), 3.15 (s, 6H), 2.35 (m, 6H), 1.71 (m, 2H).

A solution of 13h (0.70 g, 1.17 mmol) in EtOAc (100 mL) was treated with LiBr (118 mg, 1.36 mmol) at 60° C. for 2 h. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed. Elution with EtOAc/MeOH (from 20:1 to 10:1) gave 2-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]-3,5-dinitrobenzamide (14h) 228 mg (34%) as a yellow oil; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.76 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.30 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H, H-3), 3.58-3.42 (m, 14H), 2.36 (m, 6H), 1.70 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 165.08, 145.57, 145.27, 141.19, 136.40, 127.27, 122.10, 66.08, 59.66, 55.64, 53.19, 37.61, 25.39, 13.99. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₈H₂₅ ⁷⁹Br₂N₅O₆: 566.0250. Found; 566.0241. Later eluates gave IIb7 (300 mg, 44%); as yellow foam; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.75 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.31 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H, H-6),4.28 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.56 (m, 7H), 3.44 (m, 5H), 3.14 (s, 3H) , 2.35(m, 6H), 1.71 (m,2H); ¹³C NMR δ 165.07, 145.79, 145.31, 140.92, 136.04, 127.36, 122.21, 67.50, 66.09, 59.64, 55.68, 53.21, 51.10, 37.63, 36.45, 25.41, 14.00. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₉H₂₉ ⁷⁹BrN₅O₉S 582.08519. Found 582.08694; together with starting material 13h (117 mg, 18%).

Methyl 3-{[2-((2-chloroethyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl]amino}propanoate (IIb8).

Methyl alanine hydrochloride (2.55 g, 18.3 mmol) was dissolved in water (12 mL), and the solution was diluted with Me₂CO (20 mL) and Et₂O (50 mL). This was then poured into a solution of crude 2-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride [prepared from 2-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid 11 (5.0 g, 18.3 mmol) with SOCl₂] in Me₂CO (50 mL) while cooling in an ice-bath. The mixture was stirred for 30 min, then poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with satd. NaHCO₃ and brine, dried, and concentrated to give methyl 3-[(2-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)amino]propanoate (12i) (4.45 g, 73.3%): mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 128-130° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.99 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.96 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.51 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.50 (m, 2H, CONHCH₂), 2.64 (m, 2H, CH₂CO₂). The product was used without further purification.

A mixture of 12i (2.5 g, 7.6 mmol) and diethanolamine (2.0 g) in p-dioxane (30 mL) was kept at room temperature for 3 h, then poured into brine and extracted with EtOAc (3×70 mL). The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL), cooled in an ice-bath, and treated with Et₃N (8 mL) and MsCl (4 mL). After stirring for 10 min, satd. NaHCO₃ (100 mL) was added, and following a further 30 min of stirring the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₃ (2×70 mL). The combined organic phases were dried and then evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue was then purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1 to 1:0) gave IIb8 (0.2 g, 5%): as yellow oil; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.88 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.31 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.29 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.71 (m, 2 H, CH₂Cl), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.54-3.36 (m, 6H), 3.14 (s, 3H, OSO₂CH₃), 2.65 (m, 2H, CH₂CO₂); ¹³C NMR δ 171.68, 165.34, 146.14, 145.17, 140,74, 135.59, 127.58, 122.42, 67.47, 54.22, 51.45, 51.22, 41.37, 36.48, 35.44, 32.95. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₆H₂₂ ³⁵ClN₄O₁₀S; 497.0745. Found; 497.0748.

Further elution gave methyl 3-{[2-bis{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl]amino}propanoate (13i) (2.6 g, 62%): as yellow oil;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.90 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.32 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.30 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.52 (m, 2H, CONHCH₂), 3.44 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂N), 3.14 (s, 6H, 2×OSO₂CH₃), 2.65 (m, 2H, CH₂CO₂); ¹³C NMR δ 171.66, 165.28, 146.36, 144.98, 140,52, 135.23, 127.64, 122.50, 67.20, 51.40, 51.25, 36.44, 35.45, 32.91. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₇H₂₅N₄O₁₃S₂: 557.0860. Found: 557.0853.

In an alternative preparation of IIb8, a solution of 13i (0.417 g, 0.75 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was treated with LiCl (0.038 g, 1.00 mmol) at 60° C. for 2 h, and then cooled and poured into dilute HCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×80 mL). Workup and chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/petroleum ether from 1:1 to 2:1, gave methyl 3-({2-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl}amino)propanoate (15i) (0.16 g, 51%): as yellow oil; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.85 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.29 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 3.68 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂Cl), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.50 (m, 2H, CONHCH₂), 3.41 (m, 4H, N(CH₂)₂), 2.64 (m, 2H, CH₂CO₂); ¹³C NMR δ 171.59, 165.28, 145.81, 145.31, 140,89, 135.89, 127.45, 122.26, 54.08, 51.40, 41.51, 35.35, 32.92. Further elution then gave IIb8 (0.124 g, 33%), identical with the sample prepared above.

Methyl 3-{[2-((2-bromoethyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl]amino}propanoate (IIb9).

Treatment of 13i (2.04 g, 3.67 mmol) with LiBr (0.318 g, 3.67 mmol) in EtOAc (100 mL) at 60° C. for 3 h, followed by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether from 1:1 to 1:0) gave methyl 3-({2-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl}amino)propanoate (14i) (0.55 g, 29%): as yellow foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.86 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.29 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.60-3.43 (m, 10H), 2.64 (m, 2H, CH₂CO₂); ¹³C NMR δ 171.60, 165.28, 145.39, 145.36, 141,07, 136.05, 127.44, 122.25, 53.97, 51.44, 35.35, 32.95, 29.96. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₅H₁₉ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₇: 524.9621. Found; 524.9616.

Further elution gave IIb9 (0.96 g, 48%): as yellow foam; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.89 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.74 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.31 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.28 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.63 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.60-3.43 (m, 8H), 3.14 (s, 3H, OSO₂CH₃), 2.65 (m, 2H, CH₂CO₂); ¹³C NMR δ 171.63, 165.28, 145.87, 145.19, 140,81, 135.65, 127.54, 122.37, 67.47, 54.25, 51.42, 51.02, 36.45, 35.40, 32.93, 29.69. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₆H₂₂ ⁷⁹BrN₄O₁₀S: 541.0240. Found; 541.0228, followed by starting material 13g (0.45 g, 22%).

EXAMPLE C Preparation of Analogues of Class IIc by the Method Outlined in Scheme 3.

2-[3-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-chloroethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc1).

A solution of methyl 3-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2,6-dinitrobenzoate [Palmer et al., J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39, 2518] (7.24 g, 22 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (120 mL) was cooled in an ice-bath and Et₃N (15 mL) and MsCl (8 mL) were added in one portion. After stirred for 10 min, satd. NaHCO₃ (100 mL) was added, and after a further 30 min the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×70 mL), the combined organic phase were dried, concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1 to 1:0), gave crude methyl 3-(bis{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-2,6-dinitrobenzoate (16) (10.67 g, 100%) as a yellow oil;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.32 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.75 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H, H-4.), 4.32 (m, 4H), 3.88 (s, 3H) , 3.67 (m, 4H), 3.14 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR δ 163.02, 147.59, 138.40, 136.46, 128.33, 125.83, 123.96, 66.73, 54.00, 50.24, 45.58, 36.58.

Hydrolysis of 16 (10.6 g, 21.9 mmol) with 3 N KOH (40 mL) in dioxane (200 mL) at room temperature for 15 min, followed by acidification with 1 N HCl and extraction with EtOAc, gave a quantitative yield of crude 3-(bis{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl} amino)-2,6-dinitrobenzoic acid (17): mp 200-210° C., HRMS: C₁₃H18N₃O₁₂ S₂ requires m/z 472.0332. Found: 472.033, that was used without purification. The acid chloride (SOCl₂/cat. DMF) from 17 (3.2 g, 6.8 mmol) was dissolved in Me₂CO (30 mL), cooled in an ice-bath and treated with concentrated NH₄OH (10 mL). After stirring for 10 min. the reaction mixture was acidified to pH 2-3 with 1 N HCl, then most of the solvent was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2×80 mL) and the combined organic extracts were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed.

Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 1:1 to 1:0) gave IIc1 (0.145 g, 5.2%:

mp (EtOAc) 134-136° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.25 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.23 (s, 1H, NH), 7.89 (s, 1H, NH), 7.64 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.27 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.73 (m, 2H), 3.66 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 3H) ; ¹³C NMR δ 163.06, 146.40, 140.52, 137.65, 129.42, 127.51, 122.89, 66.83, 52.93, 50.16, 41.45, 36.57. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₂H₁₅ClN₄O₈S: C, 35.1;H, 3.7; N, 13.6; Cl, 8.6. Found: C, 35.5; H, 3.7; N, 13.6; Cl, 8.6%.

Elution of the column with EtOAc/MeOH (50:1) gave 2-(3-(aminocarbonyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (18a) (1.1 g, 34%):

mp (EtOAc/MeOH/petroleum ether) 160-162° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.26 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.23 (s, 1H, NH), 7.89 (s, 1H, NH), 7.66 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.27 (m, 4H, 2×-CH₂OMs), 3.63 (m, 4H, 2×-CH₂N), 3.15 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃SO₃—); ¹³C NMR δ 163.00, 146.51, 140.98, 137.99, 129.30, 127.47, 123.40, 66.74, 50.44, 36.56. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₃H₁₈N₄O₁₁S₂: C, 33.2; H, 3.9; N, 11.9. Found: C, 33.5; H, 3.8; N, 11.9%.

2- [3-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-2,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc2).

LiBr (117 mg, 1.34 mmol) was added in one portion to a solution of 18a (0.474 g, 1.0 mmol) in Me₂CO/EtOAc (1:1, 100 mL), and the reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. for 2 h. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed. Elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1) gave 3-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-2,6-dinitrobenzamide (19a) (95 mg, 21%): as a yellow oil; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.25 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.22 (s, 1H, NH), 7.88 (s, 1H, NH), 7.63 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H, H-4), 3.68 (m, 4H), 3.58 (m, 4H(Lit. [Palmer et al., J. Med. Chem., 1996, 39, 2518-2528].

Further elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (3:1) gave IIc2 (208 mg, 46%):

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 143-145° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.25 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H, H-5), 8.23 (s, 1H, NH), 7.89 (s, 1H, NH), 7.64 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.28 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.67 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 2H), 3.16 (s, 3H) ; ¹³C NMR δ 163.05, 146.17, 140.49, 137.68, 129.42, 127.53, 122.89, 66.85, 52.92, 50.04, 36.57, 29.95. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₂H₁₅BrN₄O₈S: C, 31.7; H, 3.3; N, 12.3; Br, 17.4. Found: C, 31.9; H, 3.3; N, 12.2; Br, 17.5%.

Later eluates gave starting material 18a (150 mg).

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc3).

Treatment of 3-(3-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}{3-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]butyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)-1-methylpropyl methanesulfonate (18b)] (310 mg, 0.6 mmol) in EtOAc (50 mL) with LiBr (78 mg, 0.9 mmol), followed by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 1:1 to 1:0) gave 3-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,6-dinitrobenzamide (19b) (70 mg, 25%) as a foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.80 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.24 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (m, 1H), 3.70 (m, 4H), 3.60 (m, 4H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 3.22 (in, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.4, 145.8, 140.2, 137.5, 129.2, 127.6, 122.6, 59.0, 52.6, 41.7, 30.0. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₁₃H₁₇ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₆[M+H⁺] m/z 482.9515. Found; 482.9508.

Further elution with EtOAc/MeOH (50:2) gave IIc3 (118 mg, 39%):

mp. 94-97° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.80 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.25 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 4.67 (m, 1H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.63 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 2H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 3.26 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.4, 146.2, 140.5, 137.7, 129.2, 127.5, 122.9, 66.8, 59.0, 50.0, 41.7, 36.6, 29.9. Anal. (C₁₄H₁₉BrN₄O₉S) C, H, N.

2-((2-Chloroethyl)-3-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc4).

Reaction of the acid chloride of 17 with 3-aminopropanol in Me₂CO at 0° C. as described above, followed by chromatography of the product on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (1:1), gave IIc4 (292 mg, 12%):

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 104-109° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.75 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH, 8.24 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.64 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.44 (m, 1H, CHOH), 4.26 (m, 2H), 3.72 (m, 2H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.43 (m, 2H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 3H), 1.60 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.09, 146.42, 140.49, 137.65, 129.23, 127.58, 122.91, 66.82, 58.22, 52.88, 50.11, 41.44, 36.57, 36.37, 31.57. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₅H₂₁ClN₄O₉S: C, 38.5; H, 4.5; N, 12.0; Cl, 7.5. Found: C, 38.8; H, 4.8; N, 11.5; Cl, 7.0%.

Further elution with EtOAc gave 2-(3-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (18e) (1.1 g, 41%):

mp (EtOAc/MeOH/petroleum ether) 160-162° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.26 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.66 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.43 (m, 1H, CHOH), 4.27 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.63 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂N), 3.43 (m, 2H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 6H, 2×CH₃SO₃), 1.60 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.03, 146.52, 140.95, 138.00, 129.12, 127.54, 123.42, 66.72, 58.22, 50.39, 36.55, 36.37, 31.57. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₆H₂₄N₄O₁₂S₂: C, 36.4; H, 4.6; N, 10.6. Found: C, 36.6; H, 4.5; N, 10.6%.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc5).

Treatment of 18c (716 mg, 1.36 mmol) in EtOAc (200 mL) with LiBr ((175 mg, 2.0 mmol) as above, followed by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/etroleum ether (from 1:1 to 1:0) gave 3-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2,6-dinitrobenzamide (19c) (289 mg, 42%) as a foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.75 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.23 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.62 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-4), 4.47 (m, 1H, CHOH), 3.68 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 4H), 3.43 (m, 2H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.20, 146.90, 140.20, 137.53, 129.36, 127.69, 122.56, 58.29, 52.64, 36.42, 31.61, 30.13. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₄H₁₉ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₆: 496.9671. Found: 496.9667.

Further elution with EtOAc/MeOH (50:2) gave IIc5 (270 mg, 39%):

mp. 115-117° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.75 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH, 8.24 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.64 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.43 (m, 1H, CHOH), 4.27 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.66 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂N), 3.59 (m, 2H), 3.44 (m, 2H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 3H, CH₃SO₃), 1.60 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.08, 146.19, 140.47, 137.69, 129.24, 127.59, 122.91, 66.83, 58.22, 52.87, 50.00, 36.57, 36.37, 31.58, 29.95. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₉S: C, 35.2; H, 4.1; N, 10.9; Br, 15.4. Found: C, 35.4; H, 3.9; N, 11.0; Br, 16.3%.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(4-hydroxybutyl)amino] carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc6).

Treatment of 3 -(3-{[(4-hydroxybutyl)amino]carbonyl}{3-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]butyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)-1-methylpropyl methanesulfonate (18d) (500 mg, 0.92 mmol) in EtOAc (100 mL) with LiBr (110 mg, 1.4 mmol), followed by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/petroleum ether (from 1:1 to 1:0) gave 3-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2,6-dinitrobenzamide (19d) (100 mg, 21%) as a foam; 1H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.73 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.25 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 4.38 (m, 1H), 3.69 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 4H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.14 (m, 2H), 1.47 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.0, 145.8, 140.2, 137.6, 129.3, 127.6, 122.6, 60.2, 52.6, 30.0, 29.6, 24.8. HRMS (FAB) Calcd. For C₁₅H₂₀ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₆ [M+H⁺] m/z 510.9828. Found; 510.9819.

Further elution with EtOAc/MeOH (50:2) gave IIc6 (117 mg, 30%):

mp. 114-117° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.74 (m, 1H, CONH), 8.25 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (m, 1H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.65 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 2H), 3.35 (m, 2H), 3.16 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 3H) , 1.47 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR δ 160.0, 146.1, 140.6, 137.8, 129.2, 127.5, 122.9, 66.8, 60.2, 52.9, 50.0, 36.6, 29.9, 29.6, 24.9. Anal. (C₁₆H₂₃BrN₄O₉S) C, H,N.

2-((2-Chloroethyl)-3-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc7).

Reaction of the acid chloride of 17 (2.4 g, 5.1 mmol) with 3-amino-1,2-propanediol Me₂CO at 0° C. as described above, followed by chromatography of the product on silica gel and elution with EtOAc, gave IIc7 (240 mg, 10%): mp (EtOAc) 100-105° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.24 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.64 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.72 (d, J=4.9, 1H, CHOH), 4.52 (t, J=5.7, 1H, CH₂OH), 4.27 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.74-3.50 (m, 10H), 3.15 (s, 3H, CH₃SO₃), 3.04 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.48, 146.38, 140.55, 137.73, 129.28, 127.51, 122.88, 69.89, 66.83, 63.57, 52.95, 50.17, 42.55, 41.43, 36.58. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₅H₂₁ClN₄O₁₀S: C, 37.2; H, 4.4; N, 11.6; Cl, 7.2. Found: C, 38.0; H, 4.5; N, 11.1; Cl, 7.2%.

Further elution with EtOAc/MeOH (50: 1) gave 2-(3-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (18e) (480 mg, 51%):

mp (MeOH/EtOAc) 60-63° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.78 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.24 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.66 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.72 (d, J=4.9, 1H, CHOH), 4.52 (t, J=5.7, 1H, CH₂OH), 4.27 (m, 4H, 2×CH₂OMs), 3.63 (m, 4H), 3.52- 3.30 (m, 5H), 3.15 (s, 3H, 2×CH₃SO₃), 3.06 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.43, 146.49, 141.01, 138.07, 129.15, 127.47, 123.36, 69.89, 66.73, 63.67, 50.44, 42.55, 36.56. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₆H₂₄N₄O₁₃S₂: C, 35.3; H, 4.5; N, 10.3. Found: C, 35.8; H, 4.5; N, 10.5%.

2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc8).

Treatment of 18e (0.92 g, 1.7 mmol) in EtOAc (200 mL) with LiBr (170 mg, 1.95 mmol) as above, followed by chromatography on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/MeOH (50:1), gave 3-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (19e) (155 mg, 18%) as yellow oil;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.76 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.23 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.63 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.72 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H, CHOH), 4.52 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H, CH₂OH), 3.70-3.50 (m, 11H), 3.04 (m, 1H). HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ required for C₁₄H₁₉ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₇: 512.9621. Found; 512.9603.

Further elution gave IIc8 (278 mg, 31%):

mp (EtOAc) 108-110° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.24 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.64 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.72 (d, J=4.9, 1H, CHOH), 4.52 (t, J=5.7, 1H, CH₂OH), 4.27 (m, 2H, CH₂OMs), 3.70-3.50 (m, 10H), 3.15 (s, 3H, CH₃SO₃), 3.06 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.47, 146.16, 140.52, 137.77, 129.28, 127.53, 122.88, 69.89, 66.84, 63.57, 52.94, 50.05, 42.55, 36.58, 29.94. Anal. Calcd. For C₁₅H₂₁BrN₄O₁₀S: C, 34.1; H, 4.0; N, 10.6; Br, 15.0. Found: C, 34.3; H, 4.1; N, 10.4; Br, 15.4%. And starting material (200 mg, 22%)

2-[(2-Chloroethyl)-3-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc9).

Reaction of the acid chloride from 17 (1.3 g) in Me₂CO with 3-(4-morpholinyl)propylamine (1.0 mL) at 0° C. as described above, followed by chromatography of the product on silica gel and elution with EtOAc/MeOH (9:1 to 4:1), gave IIc9 (0.37 g, 25%):

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 113-116° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.79 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.25 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.65 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.28 (t, J=5.3, 2H), 3.73 (t, J=6.3, 2H), 3.66 (t, J=5.2, 2H), 3.60 (t, J=5.9, 2H), 3.56 (m, 4H), 3.17 (m, 5H), 2.34 (m, 6H), 1.61 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.07, 146.44, 140.44, 137.62, 129.23, 127.60, 122.92, 66.81, 66.12, 55.40, 53.19, 52.85, 50.10, 41.45, 37.30, 36.56, 25.12. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ requires C₁₉H₂₉ ³⁵ClN₅O₉S: 538.13745. Found: 538.13869.

Later eluates gave 2-[{2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}-3-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (18f) (0.93 g, 56%) as a yellow solid,

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 90-95° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.79 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.25 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.65 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.28 (t, J=5.3, 4H), 3.64 (t, J=5.2, 4H), 3.55 (t, J=4.6, 4H), 3.15 (m, 8H), 2.34 (m, 6H), 1.61 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.03, 146.55, 140.90, 137.97, 129.10, 127.56, 123.43, 66.72, 66.12, 55.39, 53.19, 50.37, 37.29, 36.55, 25.13. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ requires C₂₀H₃₂N₅O₁₂S₂: 598.14889. Found: 598.14894.

2-[(2-Bromoethyl)-3-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate (IIc10).

LiBr (107 mg, 1.3 mmol) was added in one portion to a warm solution of 18f (0.53 g, 0.89 mmol) in EtOAc (50 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. for 2 h, then volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was adsorbed directly onto silica gel and chromatographed. Elution with EtOAc/MeOH (10:1 to 5:1) gave 3-[bis(2-bromoethyl)amino]-N-[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]-2,6-dinitrobenzamide (19f) (109 mg, 22%) as a foam;

¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.77 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.23 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.63 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6), 3.68 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 8H), 3.17 (m, 2H), 2.34 (m, 6H), 1.61 (m, 2H). HRMS: C₁₅H₁₁ ⁷⁹Br₂N₄O₅ requires m/z 438.9253. Found: 438.9228.

Later eluates gave IIc10 (293 mg, 57%):

mp (EtOAc/petroleum ether) 114-117° C.; ¹H NMR [(CD₃)₂SO] δ 8.79 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H, CONH), 8.25 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.65 (d, J=9.4Hz, 1H, H-6), 4.28 (t, J=5.2, 2H), 3.66 (m, J=5.2, 4H), 3.56 (m, J=4.6, 6H), 3.17 (m, 5H), 2.34 (m, 6H), 1.61 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR δ 161.07, 146.22, 140.39, 137.65, 129.21, 127.62, 122.92, 66.83, 66.07, 55.37, 53.15, 52.83, 49.99, 37.28, 36.57, 29.97, 25.07. HRMS m/z (M+1)⁺ requires C₁₉H₂₉ ⁷⁹BrN₅O₉S: 582.08694. Found: 582.08639.

Later eluates gave starting material 18f (124 mg, 23%).

The following Tables 2 and 3 give biological data for the compounds listed in Table 1. TABLE 2 Relative cytotoxicities of selected examples of the compounds of Table 1 in NTR-transfected cell lines (18 h exposure). Human Ovarian^(a) Human colon^(b) IC₅₀ ^(d) IC₅₀ ^(d) No NR− NR+ Ratio^(e) NR− NR+ Ratio^(e) Examples of formula IIa IIa2 226 0.84 280 150  0.69 235 IIa3 135 0.19 715  80  0.22 387 IIa4 97 0.33 311  70  0.41 172 IIa5 286 0.61 470 192  0.77 250 IIa6 453  5.0  91 IIa7 1110 1.74 804  3.0 268 Examples of formula Iib IIb1 80 0.04 1890  20  0.07 303 IIb2 6.0 0.007 762  4.3  0.02 227 IIb3 5.2 0.04 142  3.7  0.06  66 IIb4  9^(f)  0.29^(f)  31^(f) IIb5  2.9^(f)  0.25^(f)  12^(f) IIb6 26 0.19 140  11  0.21  52 IIb7 3.1 0.03 102  0.89  0.05  22 IIb8 9.7 0.19 51  4.3  0.36  13 IIb9 3.7 0.15 25  1.44  0.24  6.3 Examples of formula IIc IIc1 196 0.55 390 121  1.0 120 IIc2 150 0.21 724  85  0.31 271 IIc3 425^(f)  5.1^(f)  83^(f) IIc4 800 1.6 549 392  2.6 215 IIc5 280 0.57 497 209  0.85 301 IIc6 314^(f) 20^(f)  16^(f) IIc7 1680 6.6 267 856  4.3 262 IIc8 890 1.8 509 214  1.5 141 IIc9 433 32 14 262 31  8.3 IIc10 156 11 14  94 11  8.2 Footnotes for Table 2 ^(a)Human ovarian: wild-type (NR−) is SKOV3, transfected (NR+) is SC3.2. ^(b)Human colon: wild-type (NR−) is WIDR, transfected (NR+) is WC14.10. ^(c)Chinese hamster fibroblast: wild-type (NR−) is T-78-1, transfected (NR+) is T79-A3. ^(d)IC₅₀: the concentration of drug (in micromolar) required to reduce cell numbers to 50% of controls at the end of the evaluation period. ^(e)Ratio = IC₅₀(NR−)/IC₅₀(NR+). ^(f)4 h exposure.

TABLE 3 Relative cytotoxicities of selected examples of the compounds of Table 1 in oxic and anoxic tumour cells. IC₅₀s in A549 human lung carcinoma cells (4 h exposure) in μM^(a) WT^(b) P450R^(d) No anoxic WT Ratio^(c) anoxic P450R ratio^(c) Examples of formula IIa IIa5 139 5.2 73 9.9 IIa6 348 2.4 31 18 Examples of formula IIb IIb3 2.3 26 0.28 133 IIb4 4.5 7 0.45 95 IIb5 4 19 0.34 150 Examples of formula IIc IIc3 28 20 2.9 146 IIc4 82 26 7.3 108 IIc5 52 30 4.5 134 Footnotes for Table 3. ^(a)Human lung carcinoma line. ^(b)Wild-type. ^(c)Ratio = IC₅₀(aerobic)/IC₅₀(anoxic). ^(d)A549 transfected with human cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R).

It is clear from the data of Tables 2 and 3 that the examples of the nitroaniline derivatives of the invention include compounds which are active as cytotoxic agents, and which have the additional capability of being reductively activated by the E. coli NTR and/or by endogenous reductase enzymes under hypoxia.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to reagents, or integers having known equivalents thereof, then those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

While this invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments and examples, it is to be appreciated that further modifications and variations may be made to embodiments and examples provided without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by the general formula (I);

wherein X represents one of the groups NO₂, CN, or SO₂R¹, where R¹ represents a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when R¹ represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included; Y represents one of the groups OR², NHCOR², CONR²CO₂R³, CONR²morpholide, CONHR², CONR²R³, CONHOR², CONHSO₂R², SO₂NH₂, SO₂NHR² or SO₂NR²R³ wherein each R² and R³ independently represent a H, C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups; and A and B each independently represent halogen, OSO₂R⁴, OSO₂NH₂, OSO₂NHR⁴ or OSO₂NR⁴R⁵, wherein each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represent a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included; and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof; with the proviso (i) that A≠B and that

is excluded
 2. The nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard as claimed in claim 1 represented by one of formulae (IIa-IIc)

wherein X, Y, A and B are as defined in claim 1 for a compound of Formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof; with the proviso (i) that A≠B and that

is excluded as a compound of Formula (IIa).
 3. The nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard as claimed in claim 1 selected from: 5-[(2-Bromoethyl)(2-chloroethyl)amino]-2,4-dinitrobenzamide, 2-[5-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[5-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-iodoethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)5-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)5-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-5-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[2-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-chloroethyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[2-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Iodoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[(2-Bromoethyl)-2-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, Methyl 3-{[2-((2-chloroethyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethy}amino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl]amino}propanoate, Methyl 3-{[2-((2-bromoethyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl]amino}propanoate, 2-[3-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-chloroethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[3-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-2,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Chloroethyl)-3-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(4-hydroxybutyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Chloroethyl)-3-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[(2-Chloroethyl)-3-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate and 2-[(2-Bromoethyl)-3-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate.
 4. The nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard as claimed in claim 1 selected from a compound represented by one of formulae (IIIa-IIIc)

wherein X, Y, are as defined in claim 1 for a compound of Formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof.
 5. The nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard as claimed in claim 4 selected from 2-[5-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)5-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)5-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-5-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[2-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate; 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-2-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-4,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-[(2-Bromoethyl)-2-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-4,6-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, Methyl 3-{[2-((2-bromoethyl){2-[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]ethyl}amino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl]amino}propanoate, 2-[3-(Aminocarbonyl)(2-bromoethyl)-2,6-dintroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2 ,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(4-hydroxybutyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,6-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate, 2-((2-Bromoethyl)-3-{[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]carbonyl}-2,4-dinitroanilino)ethyl methanesulfonate and 2-[(2-Bromoethyl)-3-({[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]amino}carbonyl)-2,4-dinitroanilino]ethyl methanesulfonate.
 6. A method of preparing a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by the general formula (I);

wherein X represents one of the groups NO₂, CN, or SO₂R¹, where R¹ represents a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when R¹ represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included; Y represents one of the groups OR², NHCOR², CONR²CO₂R³, CONR²morpholide, CONHR², CONR²R³, CONHOR², CONHSO₂R², SO₂NH₂, SO₂NHR² or SO₂NR²R³ wherein each R² and R³ independently represent a H, C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups; and A and B each independently represent halogen, OSO₂R⁴, OSO₂NH₂, OSO₂NHR⁴ or OSO₂NR⁴R⁵, wherein each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represent a C₁₋₆-lower alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy and/or one or more amino groups and wherein when each R⁴ and R⁵ independently represents a tertiary amine the N-oxide derivative of the tertiary amine is further included; and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof; with the proviso (i) that A≠B the method including the step of reacting a compound of

with an amount of an alkali metal halide in a polar solvent to give an unsymmetrical halo-mesylate compound.
 7. The method of preparing a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by the general formula represented by one of formulae (IIa-IIc) as claimed in claim 2

wherein X, Y, A and B are as defined in claim 1 for a compound of Formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof; with the proviso (i) that A≠B and the method including the step of reacting a compound of

with an amount of an alkali metal halide or mesylate halide in a polar solvent to give an unsymmetrical halo-mesylate compound.
 8. The method of preparing a nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustard represented by one of formulae (IIIa-IIIc) as claimed in claim 4

wherein X, Y, are as defined in claim 1 for a compound of Formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and salts thereof; the method including the step of reacting a compound of

with an amount of LiBr in a polar solvent to give a bromo mesylate of one of formulae (IIIa-IIIc).
 9. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the polar solvent is selected from acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, triethylamine, acetone and mixtures thereof.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the alkali metal halide is selected from one or more of the following; LiCl, LiBr, NaI and NaBr.
 11. A compound of formula (I) obtained by any one of the methods as claimed in claim
 6. 12. A method including the step of administering a compound of Formula I as defined in claim 1 in a therapeutically effective amount to tumour cells in a subject for the use as prodrugs suitable for GDEPT (gene-dependent enzyme-prodrug therapy) in conjunction with at least one nitroreductase enzyme, as a hypoxia-selective cytotoxin.
 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the nitroreductase enzyme is encoded for by the nfsB gene of either E. Coli or by Clostridia species.
 14. A method including the step of administering a compound of Formula I as defined in claim 1 in a therapeutically effective amount to target tumour cells in a subject for the use as prodrugs suitable for GDEPT (gene-dependent enzyme-prodrug therapy) in conjunction with at least one nitroreductase enzyme, as an anticancer agent.
 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the nitroreductase enzyme is encoded for by the nfsB gene of either E. Coli or by Clostridia species.
 16. A method of cell ablation therapy utilising at least one nitroreductase enzyme, wherein the method includes the step of administering a compound of Formula I as claimed in claim 1 in a “therapeutically effective amount” to ablate tumour cells in tissue in a subject, wherein said tissue expresses at least one nitroreductase enzyme.
 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the nitroreductase enzyme is encoded for by the nfsB gene of either E. Coli or by Clostridia species.
 18. The method according to claim 16 wherein the cell ablation therapy provides a substantially minimal bystander effect.
 19. A pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant, carrier, buffer or stabiliser.
 20. The use in the manufacture of a medicament of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I as defined in claim 1 for use in GDEPT to target cancer cells in a subject in need thereof.
 21. The use in the manufacture of a medicament of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I as defined in claim 1 for use in cell ablation therapy to target cancer cells in a subject in need thereof. 